Change the World?
June 18th, 2008 by Davona
This journal entry is for potential volunteers.
*Remember, you MUST have a Volunteer, Class C visa to work at Cradle of Love, or any other organization in Tanzania. The Immigration Dept. has gotten very strict about this issue. Some may be able to apply and obtain it in the country in which you live. Others will have to send us photos, etc. (listed on the volunteer section of the website) so that we can apply for it before your arrival.
*Coming to a developing (third world) country to work is not an easy thing. It is nothing like being in your home country. The culture is totally different and the values are different. Everything from child raising, cleanliness, ability to understand, take direction and follow through, using equipment, preparing foods…you name it! And then there is the language difference. There are many frustrations that you will experience on a daily basis. The important thing is to not cast blame. If you can be instrumental in making positive changes within the volunteer experience, then that is super. However, keep in mind that the staff and administration have been doing this work for years, and have experienced similar frustration when things are not done correctly. There is repeated training of the staff and introduction of new and better techniques. You are coming with ideals that are not always attainable in a developing country. It SEEMS so simple–but in reality it is a constant struggle. Please come with a positive attitude, intent on helping and not pulling others down by negative comments.
We try to have a weekly volunteer meeting when I am in the country, so that we can share ideas. However, there are MANY volunteers that come, and it is not wise to try changing systems that have been put in place. This can cause the regular staff to resent the volunteers, because then the staff feels that every time a volunteer comes they are being criticized, and it causes upheaval in the work place.
So, you CAN change the world, but only one life at a time. Change the life of one child, so that they feel loved and secure and have good self-esteem. Other things around you, you cannot change, and you must have the wisdom to realize your limitations. Thank you for your interest in helping us, we DO appreciate the help of each and every volunteer.
-Davona-